Animalia Life
Nemateleotris magnifica
FAMILY
Ptereleotridae
TAXONOMY
Nemateleotris magnificus Fowler, 1938, Buka Buka Island, Gulf
of Tomini, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
English: Fire dartfish, firefish; French: Gobie de feu; Afrikaans:
Vuur-dikkop; Japanese: Hatatatehaze; Malay: Roket antene;
Samoan: Mano’o-sugale.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Maximum size 3.5 in (9 cm) total length. This is one of the
“hovering” gobies, a species that actually hovers in the water
column instead of hugging the bottom like most of its kin. The
body form is more compressed laterally (deeper and thinner)
instead of the more typical tubular goby shape. The anterior
portion of the first dorsal fin is greatly elongate, almost as long
as the fish itself in some specimens. The pelvic fins are separate.
The second dorsal and anal fins are long and, when extended,
have the appearance of a feather, or the tail end of an
arrow or a dart. The fish has a rounded caudal fin. The head
has a yellow mask over the snout and eyes. The front half of
the fish (other than the mask) is white, the back half grades
from orange to red, with green streaks in the median fins converging
posteriorly.
DISTRIBUTION
Tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans, from South Africa to the
Marquesas. In the Pacific, extends north to the Hawaiian and
Ryukyu Islands, and south to New Caledonia.
HABITAT
Coral-reef species found on the upper slopes of the outer reef.
Although observed at depths from 20–200 ft (6–61 m), it is
usually found at less than 92 ft (28 m). Creates burrows to
which it can retreat when threatened.
BEHAVIOR
Occurring singly or in small group, this species hovers in the
water column, a few centimeters above sand or rubble, selectively
feeding on drifting zooplankton. Usually has a small territory
around a hole, cave, or burrow into which it retreats at
the threat of danger. The burrow may be shared. Has a habit
of flicking the first dorsal spine up and down, erecting the dorsal
fin when threatened or defending territory.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Feeds on zooplankton, including crustacean larvae and copepods.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Spawning occurs in burrows.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not threatened.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
This beautiful fish is an important saltwater aquarium species.
Photo Gallery of - Fire goby
